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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Family planning

Thinking about sterilisation- the truthful pros and cons?

33 replies

Redtartanshoes · 31/12/2018 23:05

I’m 36, 1 dc aged 11, partner has 3 of similar ages.

I absolutely don’t want any more. Had an abortion last year due to contraception failure. Have tried pill coil mittens etc over years, nothing agrees with me. Currently back on pill but have piles weight on, it’s also affecting moods and libido significantly.

I think I want to be sterilised. I don’t want anymore hormones in my body:

Pros and cons? Anything I need to consider?

Thanks in advance

OP posts:

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Redtartanshoes · 01/01/2019 10:42

Bump anyone?

(( although hopefully not a bumo 🤨)))

OP posts:

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badgerread · 01/01/2019 11:05

I was sterilised in 2013, I asked my consultant to whip out my tubes while removing a cyst on my ovary. I was 42. I have 2 DC and so does my partner.

I wish I hadn't had it done to be honest, my periods have been very, very heavy, I've had no end of trouble with tummy problems and more cysts.

It's also quite hard to get it done on the NHS, I was lucky enough to have it done privately as I had health cover with work..

Thanks

Redtartanshoes · 01/01/2019 11:12

Were your periods heavy before?

OP posts:

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SheisMammyof2 · 01/01/2019 11:16

I had it done 4 years ago when I was 41 - the best thing I ever did. I knew I didn't want any more children (2DC) and I wanted to get off hormonal contraception. I found the recovery from the op the most difficult bit, mainly due to the general anaesthetic. It totally wiped me out for about a week. But since then I've had absolutely no problems. My periods are lighter, but that might just be due to age. And sex is so much better as I am no longer worrying about getting pg.

Thanks

ComeOnGordon · 01/01/2019 11:18

Best thing I ever did - was in and out the hospital in an afternoon. Took away 99% of the stress of getting pregnant. The gynae said that only in the first 2 years is there a minimal risk of failure but after that nothing.
I was super fertile & after a 3rd child I couldn’t enjoy sex since I definitely didn’t want a 4th & this took away all that worry.
It hasn’t affected my periods I don’t think - I’m probably now peri menopausal which is why I sometimes have a heavy one. Don’t think it’s the sterilization

Thanks

Littlegreenegg · 01/01/2019 11:20

NHS wouldn’t do me - and I’m the wrong side of 40 with 4 kids. Husband got the snip instead. Less expensive, but also less invasive and lower risk than for women.

Thanks

Wordthe · 01/01/2019 11:22

I'm now in my mid 50s and was sterilised (tubal litigation I think) in my mid 30s it doesn't seem to have caused any problems and I don't regret it

Thanks

badgerread · 01/01/2019 11:26

No mine weren't before. I was hoping for the success stories these other ladies had but unfortunately not 🙄

Thanks

SparkyBlue · 01/01/2019 11:28

I am having DC3 in April. A very unexpected pregnancy due to contraception failure. I am booked to get my tubes tied during my section. Obviously it was easy to organize in this instance as I will be opened up in theatre anyway.

Thanks

Branleuse · 01/01/2019 11:36

I had it done a few years ago.

Had absolutely no issues. My periods didnt change

Thanks

Birdie6 · 01/01/2019 11:38

I had it done in my 30's. No issues at all - it was great to know I'd never have to worry about pregnancy again.

Thanks

Oblomov18 · 01/01/2019 11:48

Had it done after Ds2. Was 35, but my type 1 diabetic consultant recommended it, because we had had to work jolly hard to have 2 pregnancies.

Best thing I've done, no complications or issues.

Thanks

BigGreenOlives · 01/01/2019 11:52

I was sterilised after 3 children at 38. No regrets at all. I had it done in hospital, out the same day, spent the next day in bed as the instructions were to rest. Felt fine and apart from having to wait to exercise as per instructions no inconvenience at all. I paid to have it done privately as I wanted to have it done when it suited us as a family & thought I deserved the comfort etc.

Thanks

bertiesgal · 01/01/2019 11:59

I had it fine during c-section to deliver DTs. We had 4 children (including DTs) on first try each time-couldn’t risk number 5 (or 6/7 😱😂).

I can’t tell you how lovely it is to not worry about contraception.

My periods are slightly heavier but I can’t really explain that from a physiological viewpoint.

I have no regrets. One of the best decisions I ever made.

Thanks

ThinkOfAWittyNameLater · 01/01/2019 12:35

Best decision I made - made it when TTC dc2. Midwife's face was a picture!

Consultant agreed to do it but asked me to wait until DC2 was 12mo. Had it done Feb18. I didn't recover easily from the GA but was ready to go back to work after two weeks.

My periods did change afterwards, and I seem to be much more sensitive to hormone changes (never had period poo before ). But my consultant said this actually helped reveal an underlying problem. And the options for treating that were so much easier because he didn't have to worry about preserving my fertility.

All of that pales into insignificance compared to the relief knowing I will never be pregnant again, our family is done. Bliss.

Thanks

AnotherEmma · 01/01/2019 12:38

Would your partner consider a vasectomy, given that he already has 3 children?

The doctors are likely to be more willing to give him a vasectomy than sterilising you, given that it's a more straightforward procedure.

Fair enough if he doesn't want to but it should be considered.

Thanks

CurlsandCurves · 01/01/2019 12:49

I got sterilised at 36 when DS2 was 3yr Old. Best thing I ever did, i had to rest up for a few days after but apart from that it was no big deal at all.

Of course you will get asked why your dp isn’t having a vasectomy. My reason was I knew hand on heart no matter what I was not having any more kids. Whereas DH couldn’t say the same. So if god forbid we split, he could meet someone and want kids with them. I on the other hand want no more kids with anyone.

If anything my cycle has become lighter and more regular.

Thanks

Branleuse · 01/01/2019 12:55

i did ask dp to get sterilised and he agreed, but he never arranged it, and its not the sort of thing im going to hassle someone else to do as its a massive commitment.
In the end i just waited about 6mths for him to arrange it, and when he didnt, I arranged it for myself.

Thanks

RandomMess · 01/01/2019 13:05

I had mine clipped when I had womb ablation the recovery was pretty awful 2 weeks off work then a week of half days.

I don't regret it though.

Thanks

Redtartanshoes · 01/01/2019 14:36

Dp has offered to have a vasectomy but it feels like I want to take control of my fertility I think if that makes sense. Although maybe I should try and get over that and let him... it is less risk etc

OP posts:

Thanks

AnotherEmma · 01/01/2019 14:48

Yes I think you should let him

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Redtartanshoes · 01/01/2019 20:05

Just feels like I want this so I should do something. I don’t want to be pregnant or anymore kids. Of that I’m certain. Feels like the pik is driving me slowly insane

OP posts:

Thanks

violeticecream · 01/01/2019 20:11

I was sterilised at the same time as my third c section. The doctor suggested it to me as they said four c sections is not a good idea. Very glad I had it done and had no complications.

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GU24Mum · 01/01/2019 20:15

I had mine done at the same time as I had my c-sec with No 3. OH had had a vasectomy but we have friends with post-vasectomy babies so I wanted to be very sure! I think my periods have been less regular since then but that could be age and/or that I'm far less conscious of them as I know there's no risk of pregnancy.

Thanks

ComeOnGordon · 01/01/2019 22:07

I completely agree with @CurlsandCurves - I had it done cause I knew I never wanted anymore children. We have actually split up & hes with a younger woman. Not sure if they’ll have kids but if I met someone else I would still never want anymore.

Thanks

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